08 March 2024 , 19:51
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Meghan Markle has opened up on the online bullying she received while she was pregnant with both Archie and Lilibet, with the Duchess slamming the "cruel" comments that were aimed at her.
The Duchess of Sussex is currently appearing at the South by Southwest Festival, which is also known as SXSW. The mother-of-two and self-confessed feminist is taking part in the keynote titled Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen. Also joining Meghan on the panel are journalist Katie Couric, actress Brooke Shields and diversity equity and inclusion consultant at Peoplism, Nancy Wang Yuen.
While chatting on the panel, Meghan opened up about the bullying she has endured. The Duchess touched on the "pain" she felt while pregnant and while receiving abuse online.
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Meghan appeared at SXSW Festival today for a keynote speech (SXSW/Youtube)"Yes, social media is an environment that I think has a lot of that, you know?" she trailed off while chatting on the panel. She added: "Oh, it's really interesting as I can reflect on it. I keep my distance on it right now, just for my own wellbeing.
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"But the bulk of the bullying and abuse that I was experiencing in social media and online, was when I was pregnant with Archie and with Lili."
She went on: "And you just think about that and really wrap your head around what people would be so hateful. It's not catty, it's cruel, why you would do that? Certainly when you're pregnant and you have a newborn," she went on, touching on how it's a tender and sacred time.
She then added: "You can either succumb to it, or nearly succumb to how painful that is, and maybe in some regards because I was pregnant that mammalian instinct just kicked in. Everything you can to protect your child, and as a result protect yourself too."
This comes after Meghan came out swinging at the event, with the Duchess looking sensational in a silk skirt and blouse. Meghan looked elegant while wearing a shimmering cream ensemble and her brunette locks down and tousled.